How Much Does It Cost to Launch a White Label Crypto Exchange?

Launching a cryptocurrency exchange might sound like a high-budget endeavor reserved for tech giants, but white label crypto exchange software has dramatically changed the landscape. It allows entrepreneurs, startups, and even traditional financial firms to break into the crypto space without spending millions on development. Still, one of the most common — and important — questions remains: How much does it actually cost to launch a white label crypto exchange?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The cost can range from as low as $10,000 to over $100,000 depending on various factors like the complexity of features, the provider you choose, licensing requirements, and how much customization you need. In this guide, we’ll explore what influences these costs, what’s typically included, and where you should — and shouldn’t — cut corners.

Full Article – What Is White Label Crypto Exchange Software? How To Make Money With It?

The Cost Breakdown: What You’re Paying For

While different providers may price their offerings differently, most white label crypto exchanges come with several key components that contribute to the overall cost.

1. Software License or Platform Fee

This is the upfront cost for access to the white label platform. It usually includes the core exchange infrastructure: user interface, trading engine, wallet integration, admin dashboard, and basic security features. Depending on the vendor and package, this can range from $10,000 to $50,000.

Some vendors offer lifetime licenses, while others charge a monthly or yearly subscription fee.

2. Customization and Branding

While basic packages include pre-built templates, serious businesses usually want a platform that reflects their own brand identity. Custom UI/UX design, color schemes, logo integration, and layout adjustments may cost $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the level of work required.

In-depth feature customization — such as integrating a unique trading mechanism or custom-built dashboard — can add significantly to the price.

3. Wallet Infrastructure

Many white label providers bundle wallet management into their base price, including integration of both hot and cold wallets. However, if you want advanced security features like multi-signature wallets, third-party custody solutions, or hardware wallet support, expect additional costs in the range of $2,000 to $10,000.

4. Liquidity Solutions

Liquidity is crucial for a functioning exchange. Some providers offer access to shared liquidity pools or integrate your platform with other exchanges. While basic liquidity options might be included, dedicated or custom liquidity provisioning can add $3,000 to $10,000 or more, especially if it involves a third-party partner.

5. Compliance and KYC/AML Integration

KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) compliance are essential for operating legally in most jurisdictions. White label platforms often support integration with services like Sumsub, Jumio, or Onfido, but the use of these services typically involves separate per-user or monthly fees.

Budget around $1,000–$5,000 to set up compliance modules, plus ongoing operational costs based on user volume.

6. Security Enhancements

While standard security features are often included, some exchanges require advanced tools like:

• Real-time transaction monitoring

• IP whitelisting

• Custom DDoS mitigation

• Penetration testing

These extras may add $2,000–$10,000 to the cost. For high-risk environments or regulated jurisdictions, a full security audit by a third party can run even higher.

7. Mobile App Development

Some white label platforms include mobile apps, but others may charge separately for Android and iOS development. If you want native apps customized with your branding and features, expect to spend an additional $5,000–$15,000.

8. Hosting and Infrastructure

Whether you host the platform yourself or opt for a managed service, you’ll need to account for server and infrastructure costs. Cloud-based hosting (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) may cost $500–$2,000 per month, depending on the traffic, data storage, and computational needs of your exchange.

White label vendors offering managed hosting will usually bundle this into their monthly maintenance plans.

9. Support and Maintenance

Ongoing support is often charged as a monthly retainer, usually ranging from $1,000 to $5,000/month depending on service levels. This can include:

• Technical support

• Bug fixes

• Security patches

• Feature updates

• Server monitoring

For platforms that require 24/7 uptime or regulatory oversight, high-tier support plans are a must.

Total Estimated Budget: What to Expect

Here’s a rough idea of total startup costs based on business scale:

Keep in mind that these are just estimates — the actual cost will depend on how you negotiate with providers, what features you choose, and the regions you plan to operate in.

Are There Hidden Costs?

Yes, and you should be aware of them. Some common ones include:

• Transaction fees on trades executed through the provider’s liquidity pool

• Licensing renewals or subscription models

• Fees for third-party services (like KYC or cloud storage)

• Token listing costs, if you want to onboard new coins

• Marketing and user acquisition, which aren’t part of the platform but are crucial for growth

Always request a full breakdown of deliverables and associated costs before signing a contract.

Is It Worth the Investment?

Launching a white label crypto exchange is significantly cheaper and faster than building one from scratch, which could easily cost $500,000+ and take over a year. With a white label, you’re leveraging existing technology, cutting down on development time, and focusing your resources on what matters most — user acquisition, liquidity, and customer experience.

When done right, the platform can generate revenue through trading fees, withdrawal fees, premium services, token listings, and affiliate programs, making it a potentially high-return investment.

[Read more: Do I Need Technical Knowledge to Run a White Label Exchange? →]